Good Book Titles - A Case Study for A Better Book Title

Crafting a good book title can be a complex task. Here's an example of how a just-OK book title became a title/subtitle combination that expanded the market for the book.

A Case Study for A Better Book Title

A book proposal came into a cookbook publisher with a title that basically relayed its subject matter: Kosher Vegetarian Cooking.

Now, this is a straightforward book title that certainly speaks to its market: people who
a. don't eat meat (a good sized book market these days) and
b. keep kosher (a much more limited market).

While theoretically anyone could buy the volume, the book title calls out specifically to kosher vegetarians, more than likely limiting the sales of the book. Even a subtitle, say, "Great meatless dishes anyone can enjoy" wouldn't quite overcome the average cookbook buyer's sense that "This book isn't for me."

It was determined that it was easy to target the kosher and vegetarian cookbook buyers with the book; it would be harder to expand the market reach with that title. Therefore, the publishing staff dug deep into the text and the philosophies behind the book and, after many meetings and much deliberation, the title was determined to be:

Olive Trees and Honey: A Treasury of Vegetarian Recipes from Jewish Communities Around the World

Instead of limiting the book market, this evocative and lovely cookbook title brings to mind luscious ingredients. The subtitle provides an explanation, but further suggests the communal importance food and the promises of delicious recipes. Even the word "treasury" suggests value.

This tasty book title would bring the book to a much broader audience: people who like olive oil and honey (ingredients of many Mediterranean cuisines); the larger Jewish community that doesn't keep kosher; cookbook lovers of all kinds who are interested in recipe collections and world food history.


What makes a good title?
How to write a catchy book title
How to write a good subtitle